Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Estate Domestics Located?

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Estate Domestics places staff across the United States from Beverly Hills to New York as well in Europe.

How do I get started?

Contact us by phone or email. After an initial consultation, we will ask you to fill out an application outlining your specific staffing needs. Then Estate Domestics will provide you with a selection of prospective employees based on your requirement.

What is the fee-structure?

There is a $250 application fee, which covers

background check
credit reports
motor vehicle and legal records
extensive background checks on previous employment, references and recommendations

(Note: For employers outside the U.S. , the application fee is $500. The application fee does apply towards the placement fee.)

What type of guarantee is given to the clients?

All clients are given a 90 day guarantee. If employment is terminated within the first 90 days of employment, Estate Domestics will conduct a second search to replace for the same terms of employment as the original employee.

Does this guarantee cover situations when the client is unsatisfied with the employee?

Yes. If the client is unsatisfied, and notifies Estate Domestics within 90 days of the original hire date, Estate Domestics will conduct a second search for free.

What about situations when the employee terminates the employment agreement?

It is also covered. If the employee leaves within the first 90 days of his or her employment, Estate Domestics will conduct a second search unless the employee leaves for reasons of abuse or other misconduct by the employer.

What are the criteria for applicants to register with Estate Domestics?

Applicants who wish to be considered for placement by Estate Domestics must:

be a high-school graduate; although most of our registered employees have pursued college or post-graduate degrees.
have 3 years of minimum professional domestic experience
present three references
pass a thorough background investigation into their credit, motor vehicle and criminal history
provide proper social security or green card documents

Estate Domestics serves the best clients and thus we place the best employees. As an example, only one in 10 prospective employees who apply to Estate Domestics will meet our standards.

How does Estate Domestics screen the applicants?

Estate Domestics screens their applicants by first requiring them to fill out an application then they need to present us with a work portfolio with their work history and references. They are then invited to an interview where applicants are graded on punctuality, appearance and ability among other criteria. Estate Domestics requires a minimum of three references from employers outside their home, which we thoroughly investigate. Once the applicant has passed the above and are being seriously considered for a family we run an extensive background check, that may include motor vehicle, credit and criminal, which includes National Sex Offender when applicable.

Who is responsible for payroll taxes?

A household employer is defined as someone who pays an individual to perform duties in or around their house. There is a common misconception that domestic workers can be labeled "independent contractors" so that taxes can be avoided. Please be warned that the IRS has ruled definitively on this: household workers should be classified as employees and the families that employ them are required to obey all state and federal tax and labor laws.
Information provided to Estate Domestics by Breedlove & Associates

Am I required to pay overtime to my household employees?

Yes. The standard workweek is defined as 40 hours per week, therefore overtime must be paid at the rate of 1.5 times the regular hourly rate and must be paid for all hours worked over 40 hours per week. Live-in household employees do not have to be paid overtime but are entitled to the regular hourly wage for every hour worked.
Information provided to Estate Domestics by Breedlove & Associates